Tragedy struck in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State on Wednesday morning as gunmen opened fire on a police checkpoint, killing three officers on duty. The attackers, who launched the ambush along the Egbe–Okunran Road bordering Kwara State, reportedly carted away the officers’ rifles after the deadly assault.
According to the Kogi State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP William Ovye Aya, the Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, immediately deployed a tactical squad to the scene of the incident to track down the perpetrators. Security agencies have since intensified operations in the area to restore calm and pursue the attackers.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the officers had just resumed duty around 8 a.m. when the armed men struck, leaving them unprepared for the sudden onslaught. Two policemen died instantly during the exchange of gunfire, while the third officer succumbed to injuries at ECWA Hospital in Egbe about half an hour later. Reports also indicate that the assailants deflated the tyres of the officers’ vehicle before escaping.
Chairman of Yagba West Local Government, Tosin Olokun, expressed deep condolences to the families of the slain officers and to the Nigeria Police Force. He assured that the council would support ongoing security operations and directed that herders who recently migrated into the area vacate within 24 hours as part of measures to forestall further violence.
The incident has heightened concerns over the rising wave of violent attacks in parts of Kogi State, with calls mounting for stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities to curb the menace.
